NY Giants sign former Eagles TE for extra Darren Waller retirement insurance
With NY Giants general manager Joe Schoen spending big early on in free agency, including the $150 million deal for Brian Burns, it's time for him to bargain hunt for positions of need. With the uncertainty at tight end, the signing of Jack Stoll makes a ton of sense.
According to Adam Schefter, the soon-to-be fourth-year tight end, who spent the previous three seasons with the Eagles, is East Rutherford-bound. He was known more as a pass-blocker, posting only 20 receptions combined early on in his career. However, he's a beast at doing the dirty work, which is something the Giants need to pair with Daniel Bellinger. Does this hint Darren Waller's decision is coming soon too?
The NY Giants are still waiting on Darren Waller's retirement decision
No, signing Stoll isn't a replacement for Waller, but it does have people wondering what the former Pro Bowler is going to end up doing. With the Giants bringing back Lawrence Cager too, it feels like the G-Men could be getting ready for life without Waller.
Last offseason, Schoen made a big-time splash by landing him from the Las Vegas Raiders. However, Waller's debut season with the G-Men did not go as planned, as he was held to just one touchdown reception and he missed significant time with another hamstring injury.
According to multiple reports, Waller's down season has taken a serious toll on him and he's not sure if he's ready to go all-in on suiting up for the Giants again. His retirement is very much in play. Keep in mind that Waller has a $14 million cap hit for 2024, so if he does return, it will cost Schoen a pretty penny.
It's unknown which direction Waller is leaning, but if his heart isn't fully set on playing again, then retirement may be his best option. Should that happen, the Giants will have Bellinger, Stoll and Cager to rely on, while they'll also look to bring in a young talent via the 2024 NFL Draft.